Page 19 of Not the Duke's Virgin

“Well, well,” he said, his voice dangerously soft. “Getting rather cozy with my brother, aren’t we?”

Victoria’s heart hammered, but she kept her tone light. “We were merely conversing, that is all.”

“Do not play coy with me.” Oliver moved closer, backing her up against the wall. “I saw the way you looked at him.”

Victoria flushed crimson. “It was nothing… just a friendly talk,” she stammered.

Oliver slammed his hand against the wall, causing her to jump. “Do not lie to me!” he snarled. “I saw the lust in your eyes, clear as day. You forget yourself.” He leaned in, so close that she could smell the brandy on his breath. “Need I remind you, your virtue is promised to me. If you cannot control your whorish impulses, perhaps I should find another young lady more… disciplined.”

Victoria’s stomach twisted at his crude words. “Please,” she whispered. “It was a foolish mistake. It won’t happen again.”

Oliver grabbed her chin roughly. “See that it does not. You are treading on thin ice, my dear. Give me any more trouble, and your family will pay the price.”

To Victoria’s dismay, angry tears pricked her eyes.

Oliver’s lip curled at the sight. “Pathetic,” he snarled. “Crying will not help you. This is not a game, it is your family’s future at stake. Or have you forgotten why you agreed to this engagement?”

Victoria blinked back her tears and lifted her chin. She would not let Oliver see her cowed. “I have not forgotten. My family is everything to me.”

“Good,” Oliver said. “Then I trust you will not let your… affections… lead you astray again.” His grip on her arm tightened painfully. “Seduce my brother further, and you will bring ruin on everything you hold dear. Do you understand?”

Victoria met his icy gaze unflinchingly. “Perfectly.”

After a tense moment, Oliver released her. “See that you remember.” He glanced around casually. “You’d best compose yourself before returning to the party. We wouldn’t want people talking.”

With that, he sauntered off, leaving her shaken. She took a deep breath and dabbed at her eyes, willing her resolve to harden. She could not let Oliver intimidate her. Too much depended on her playing her part in this ruse.

Victoria gathered herself and headed back to the ballroom, his threats echoing in her mind. She knew Oliver was ruthless enough to follow through on his threats if she defied him. She would have to be more careful around Simon from now on. No matter how he made her feel, she could not let it show.

Plastering a smile on her face, Victoria rejoined the party as if nothing were amiss. But inside, her thoughts were in turmoil. She was playing a dangerous game, and one misstep could spell disaster for all she held dear.

Victoria found her father and Madeline, and informed them she was ready to leave. Her father seemed distracted, deep in conversation with a gentleman she did not recognize. Likely trying to make a connection that would boost his fortune and station. Her heart ached for him—if only he knew the truth about Oliver’s schemes, he would be appalled. But for now, she must keep silent.

They said their goodbyes to their hosts and made their way outside. As their carriage clattered down the lamp-lit streets, Madeline gave Victoria a searching look.

“Is everything all right? You seem out of sorts this evening.”

Victoria attempted a smile. “Just tired, that’s all. These social gatherings can be so dreary.”

Madeline looked unconvinced. “Come now, dear cousin. I know when something is bothering you. Did something happen tonight?”

Victoria hesitated. She yearned to unburden herself to Madeline, but how could she admit what almost happened with Simon?

“It’s nothing, truly,” she said, avoiding Madeline’s gaze. “Simply feeling a bit under the weather.”

When at last they arrived home, Madeline followed Victoria to her room. She reached over and squeezed her hand. “You know you can tell me anything, Victoria. I only want to help.”

Victoria felt her resolve weakening. She had never been able to keep secrets from Madeline. And the weight of Oliver’s threats, coupled with her confusing feelings for Simon, felt like too much to bear alone.

“Oh, Maddie,” she whispered. “Everything is such a mess. This arrangement with Lord Oliver is suffocating me. And yet I cannot break free, not if I wish to protect my family.”

Madeline nodded sympathetically. “I cannot imagine the pressure you must feel. But you are so strong, Victoria. Stronger than anyone knows.”

Heartened by her words, Victoria continued, “There’s more. This evening, I found myself… drawn to the Duke. I know it’s foolish, but when our eyes met, I… I forgot myself.” She lowered her voice. “He kissed me, Maddie, just for a moment, but it stirred feelings inside me that I did not know I possessed. I cannot explain it.”

Madeline’s eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. “Oh my. That is quite a development.” She paused. “And does the Duke lust after you as you do him, do you think?”

Victoria sighed. “I pray he does not, for both our sakes. Nothing good can come out of it.”

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